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Natural Wood and Sustainable Technologies Create a Retreat for Experiencing the Northern Lights

Authors:
Michael Paul Lewis, Will Campbell
Natural Wood and Sustainable Technologies Create a Retreat for Experiencing the Northern Lights
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Utilizing local cedar wood and Structural Insulated Panels, the retreat harmonizes with Iceland's landscape, offering guests a secluded space to experience the Northern Lights in comfort and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Structural Insulated Panels for superior energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates locally sourced cedar wood for durability and aesthetic harmony.
03
Features a communal feasting hall designed for social interaction with expansive views.
04
Strategically oriented cabins maximize visibility of the Northern Lights.
05
Integrates geo-thermal heating systems for sustainable climate control.

### Overview

The Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project is situated in Iceland, characterized by its striking volcanic landscape and icy terrain. Designed as a retreat, the project aims to harmonize with the surrounding environment while highlighting sustainability and community engagement. The architectural intent emphasizes creating an immersive experience that allows visitors to appreciate the natural phenomena of the Northern Lights.

### Spatial Configuration

The design features a series of small dwellings strategically arranged along the landscape to optimize guest experience and minimize environmental impact. A central pathway acts as a spine, linking the various structures and encouraging exploration across the site. Each building is oriented to provide unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, enhancing visitors' interaction with Iceland’s unique atmospheric qualities. Key elements include a communal feasting hall that fosters social engagement, guest cabins designed for privacy and comfort, and pathways that facilitate movement and discovery throughout the area.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

This project integrates sustainable building practices through the use of energy-efficient Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and a careful selection of locally sourced materials. Exterior cladding features cedar wood for durability and aesthetic appeal, while the warm interiors utilize Icelandic birch to promote local craftsmanship. Siberian larch is employed in decking and roofing for its resilience in harsh conditions, and recycled materials are incorporated throughout to emphasize waste reduction. The implementation of modern technologies, such as solar panels and geothermal heating systems, further enhances resource sustainability and promotes self-sufficiency.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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